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Mortgage Term Decision; 1, 3, 5, or 7 years?

Mortgage rates are on the rise! There is a frenzy of home owners switching over from variable to fixed rates. A question many ask is “how long should you take your mortgage term for?” I have noticed over the years that most people tend to pick higher mortgage terms when the rates are relatively low. Financially speaking, it may not be to your advantage. You should run the numbers before picking a longer term. The banks pray on customer’s insecurities to sell them products and a long term mortgage is one of them in my book.

I have had a mortgage for nearly 7 years now. I have never had a fixed term longer than 3 years and I have also never finished it. Here are the mortgages I have had and I have always beaten the 5 year rates in the end.

First mortgage: 3 year term @ 3.75%.

After 2 years: blend and extend with a 3 year term for an average of 3.89%.

After 2 years: blend and extend with a 4 year term for an average of 4.11%.

After 1 year: broke my fixed term (for low cost) and took variable for 5 year term (only term for variable).

Currently on variable and not locking in to a fixed term yet. Too much savings still to have over the coming year.

To calculate the differences between the terms, use a good amortization calculator. You should be able to find one at your bank (otherwise Citizens Bank has a good one). Look at the remaining balance after 5 year. Can you see the difference?

3 Year Term Comparison Chart

Year

Interest %

Principal Paid

Interest Paid

Principal Balance

0

-

-

-

$280,000.00

1

2.85

$15,198.19

$7,722.11

$264,801.81

2

2.85

$15,634.42

$7,285.88

$249,167.39

3

2.85

$16,083.14

$6,837.16

$233,084.25

4

4.25

$15,251.52

$9,503.86

$217,832.73

5

4.25

$15,906.59

$8,848.79

$201,926.14

5 Year Term Comparison Chart

Year

Interest %

Principal Paid

Interest Paid

Principal Balance

0

-

-

-

$280,000.00

1

3.85

$14,101.33

$10,428.371

$265,898.671

2

3.85

$14,649.45

$9,880.25

$251,249.22

3

3.85

$15,218.89

$9,310.81

$236,030.33

4

3.85

$15,810.43

$8,719.27

$220,219.90

5

3.85

$16,425.02

$8,104.68

$203,794.88

Some mortgage resources I use regularly are:

List of all mortgage rates from all lenders at CanadaMortgage.com

Historical rate trends at CanEquity.com. Very useful to see the differences between 1, 3 and 5 year term as well as comparison between variable and fixed rate.

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One Response to "Mortgage Term Decision; 1, 3, 5, or 7 years?"

ARMs can be a phenomenal option, but a lot of mortgage borrowers get freaked out by them. It’s unfortunate! In the states, most people keep their loans an average of 7 years, then get rid of them either because they’re refinancing or moving out of the house. If that’s the case, a 7/1 ARM would be a perfect fit because the rate is so much lower. Why pay the high rate of a 30-year fixed if you’re not going to keep it that long. Unless you know for sure that you’re going to keep the loan at least 7 to 10, then an ARM is a great option.

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Disclaimer

All content posted on this blog represents my opinion and views and should never be considered professional advice. You should do your own research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.